Raven’s Rant – High Desert Dirt

Spring is here. If you have warm-season plants (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) started inside, this week will be a great opportunity to get them outside and start some acclimating if you haven’t already. In my humble opinion, there is no grow light that can outdo actual sunshine, so take advantage of it. Be mindful of the wind and keep your seedlings well-watered. You really need to check on them frequently. If they start wilting you might consider putting them in a spot with additional wind protection and some dappled shade. The process of hardening off seedlings takes some time, it is a gradual process, be patient. I should say this isn’t a true hardening off because I will still be bringing in my seedlings at night. I don’t leave them out all night until temperatures are consistently 50 degrees and above.

If you haven’t started your warm-season veggies, don’t worry there is still time. I wanted to share this alternative seed starting method, I learned years ago from tomato experts Bill and Korena Mewaldt. I used an entire package of Botanical Interests Sungold tomato seeds lightly pressed into Promix planting mix in a recycled 4-inch container. I lightly covered the seeds with some additional planting mix and watered them well.

From the picture you can tell I use a squeeze bottle for watering seedlings, it does not disturb the soil and helps prevent overwatering. In about 10 days seedlings appear. The competition between seedlings is actually a good thing, it helps make stronger plants.

After the seedlings reach about an inch and a half high and begin starting second leaves, I remove the entire clump and gently set them in some lukewarm water. After a few minutes, I gently separate the seedlings, letting the water do most of the work. Handle the seedling near the top of the plant to protect the delicate root. I replant them in a pot that is ready to go with soil and a premade hole. I then water in the seedling. The water will help the soil fill in the hole. Add more soil to the top as necessary. This is a good time to use a light seaweed fertilizer to give your newly transplanted seedling a little boost. You can use this method to start many different types of seedlings. Just be sure to use a gentle hand. Happy planting.